Karnataka, the largest state in South India is a wonderful conglomeration of cultural, social and economic development. The state still follows its venerable customs and traditions, but has risen up most gracefully as the home to the IT hub of India. Ancient historical and religious monuments and its natural and man-made wonders on the one side and the classy social life of Karnataka have marked their rightful place in the annals of world tourism. If you would love to visit Karnataka, here’s a travel guide that will help you plan an unforgettable trip to the sandalwood state.

Bound by flourishing states on three sides and the vast Arabian sea on the fourth, Karnataka does not go short on convenience of travel.

By Air:
Karnataka has two International airports at Mangalore and Bengaluru and about 5 Domestic airports spread out in various districts, with more in the offing. Needless to say, flying into the state would be a cakewalk.

By Rail:
Karnataka is well connected to all states of the country by an extensive railway network. The Konkan Railway that passes through the states of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka promises tourism by itself. You’d cherish a ride on the Konkan railways that whiz through rugged mountain tunnels of the Western Ghats, lush fields and past cascading waterfalls. You have the Namma Metro trains to travel within the state.

By Road:
You have ease of access to Karnataka from any other part of the country. There are good motorable roads that make driving a pleasant experience. You can also make use of government or private buses that ply between Karnataka and the neighbouring states.

Summer and Winter are perhaps the best time to visit Karnataka. There are so many places to visit and things that can be done, so the right season would definitely help you make a memorable trip.

Summer(March-May):
Summer could be very hot in some districts and pleasant in coastal areas. If you are holidaying, head for the beaches and waterfalls during summer. Check out the Gulmohar trees that burst into blooms in summer.

Monsoon(June-September):
Monsoon showers are heavy down by the coasts, while the interior regions are pleasant with intermittent rains. The period is generally off-season, though the rains change the landscape into a burst of colours that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Post-Monsoon(October-December):
These are also pleasing times to travel, with occasional rain showers that come in from the north-east. You can watch the season set the stage for winter, over a hot cup of steaming Coorg plantation coffee.

Winter(January-February):
Winter wakes up with cold mornings and nights, and pleasant days that are ideal for exploring and sightseeing across the town. You’d have a great time going for treks and swapping stories sitting over a campfire.

Tonga Ride:
Though the number of Tongas has declined over the years, it’s a lovely feel to ride along the road, sitting in the horse drawn carriage decorated with flowers and tinkling bells.

Parasailing:
One of the most popular adventure sports that you could experience in Karnataka, you can utilize Parasailing and Paragliding clubs in places like Nandi hills and Jakkur Airfield near Bengaluru.

Nightlife:

The Silicon Valley of Bengaluru wakes up after sunset to a vibrant world of pubs, street food, coffee houses and restaurants where you can hang out, partying and socializing till day break. Visit VV.Puram for veggie food, Richie Rich for ice creams and sundaes, places like Slug and The 13th Floor for drinks and if you need to shake a leg visit XU.

White water Rafting:

If you enjoy White Water rafting, this one’s for you. What begins as quite a simple sail, turns into a tricky race against the rapids as they plunge you down the mountain side for an amazing water experience at Coorg.

Explore:

Karnataka has nooks and crannies filled with hitherto unexplored places. Visit the shivalinga shaped Shivalinge hillock, the picture perfect village of Agumbe, the Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls at the island town of Shivanasamudra, the Fort at Chitradurga, the ruins of Shettihalli Church and Maravanthe, where just a road crosses the Arabian Sea from the Suparnika River.

Souvenirs:

Bidri is the intricate and ancient work on metal that belongs to the Bidar district of Karnataka. You can buy Bidri vases, jewellery, bowls, plates and hookahs as souvenirs, along with Mysuru Paintings that belong to an olden art form special to Mysuru.

Karnataka is varied not only in its cultures and customs, but in its cuisine, too. The staple food is rice and ragi, though you find variations in food like the Udupi, Manglorean and Kodagu cuisines. The more, the better, as some of Karnataka’s dishes like the Mysuru Pak, Mangaluru Poli, a sweet pancake, Mangaluru buns and macaroons and the crispy Mysuru Masala Dosa have become so in style.